The Coleambally Red Cross group unveiled a plaque and planted to centenary roses in an aim to show their appreciation for the work and generosity of Red Cross members, volunteers and donors.

President Joyce Chirgwin said the roses had been grown especially for the centenary and towns and cities all over Australia had planted them to showcase their connection with Red Cross.

"We're very proud of our Red Cross group here in Coleambally," Mrs Chirgwin said.

"Colly was founded in 1968 and Red Cross started almost at the same time."

Australian Red Cross chief executive officer Robert Tickner said the story of Red Cross in Australia was the story of the "extraordinary generosity and compassion of everyday people helping people".

"Red Cross was born just days after WWI broke out, and hundreds of thousands of volunteers signed up to raise funds, produce goods to send overseas and to care for the wounded," he said.

"By WWII Red Cross had become Australia's largest charitable organisation."

On the eve of the 100th birthday of the organisation, the Governor General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove officially launched the Red Cross centenary history book The Power of Humanity at Government House Canberra.